In this lesson, children learn that when people misunderstand each other, the best answer is to ask first and tell the truth, because God cares about how his people treat one another. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
Before we get angry at someone, we should ask what they really meant, and then we should tell the truth. God helps his people stay together when they do this.
Memory Verse
Joshua 22:5
Only take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways, to keep his commandments, to hold fast to him, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul.”
(WEB)
Have children stand up and hold both hands over their hearts for the first line, then open their arms wide for the second. Say the verse slowly together, and then have them sit down on the word “all.”
The Story: Joshua 22 for Kids
A long time ago, the people of Israel finally had a land to live in. Some of the families, from the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh, had fought alongside their brothers for many years. Now Joshua told them it was time to go home to the land east of the Jordan River that Moses had given them. Joshua blessed them and sent them off with many good things, like gold, silver, and clothes.
When these families reached the edge of the Jordan River, they built a large altar there. Their hearts were good, but the other Israelites did not understand what they had done. Word spread quickly, and soon the whole nation gathered at Shiloh, ready to go to war against their brothers.
Before anyone picked up a sword, the leaders sent Phinehas, the priest, along with ten leaders to ask what was happening. Phinehas said, “What is this wrong you have done against God?” The families did not get angry back. They calmly explained, “We built this altar as a witness, so that our children and your children will always remember that we all belong to the LORD.”
When Phinehas heard the truth, his face relaxed, and he said, “Today we know that the LORD is among us.” The leaders went home happy, and the Israelites blessed God. Everyone agreed not to fight. They gave the altar a name that means “A Witness Between Us that the LORD is God.”
Read It Together
Joshua 22:1-3
1 Then Joshua called the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, 2 and said to them, “You have kept all that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you, and have listened to my voice in all that I commanded you. 3 You have not left your brothers these many days to this day, but have performed the duty of the commandment of the LORD your God.
(WEB)
Point out how Joshua thanked these families for keeping their promises and helping their brothers. Ask children to notice that thankfulness came before any correction or anger.
Joshua 22:21-23
21 Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered, and spoke to the heads of the thousands of Israel, 22 “The Mighty One, God, the LORD, the Mighty One, God, the LORD, he knows; and Israel shall know: if it was in rebellion, or if in trespass against the LORD (don’t save us today), 23 that we have built us an altar to turn away from following the LORD; or if to offer burnt offering or meal offering, or if to offer sacrifices of peace offerings, let the LORD himself require it.
(WEB)
Show children that the families answered with honest words and did not get angry. Explain that calm, truthful answers help people understand each other.
Joshua 22:30-31
30 When Phinehas the priest, and the princes of the congregation, even the heads of the thousands of Israel that were with him, heard the words that the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the children of Manasseh spoke, it pleased them well. 31 Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest said to the children of Reuben, to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasseh, “Today we know that the LORD is among us, because you have not committed this trespass against the LORD. Now you have delivered the children of Israel out of the LORD’s hand.”
(WEB)
Point out that Phinehas and the leaders were glad once they heard the truth. Remind children that listening well can turn a worry into peace.
Talk About It
- What did the families do first, before they built the altar?
- Why do you think the other Israelites got upset when they saw the altar?
- What is one thing the families did when they were asked about the altar?
- How did Phinehas feel once he heard the truth?
- When someone misunderstands you, what is one kind way you can explain yourself?
Activity Ideas
Build a Paper Altar Picture
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and tape. Ask each child to draw a simple stone altar on a sheet of paper and write or draw one thing their family does to remember God. Tape the pictures to a wall to make a “witness” wall. Explain that the families built their altar so that everyone would remember they belonged to God. Talk about how your family’s pictures can help remind people of God too.
Telling the Truth Freeze Game
You will need an open space and a few helpers. One child acts out a small misunderstanding, like holding a toy that looks like it belongs to someone else. Everyone freezes, and the child who is “in trouble” must calmly explain the truth using a gentle voice. Then everyone unfreezes and cheers for honest talking. Repeat with different children so everyone gets a turn.
Thank-You Card for Home
You will need paper, a pencil, and crayons. Have children write or draw one thing they can thank a family member for this week. Encourage them to bring the card home and give it as a surprise. Explain that Joshua thanked the families for being faithful, and a thank-you is a good way to build peace at home too.
Teacher Notes
This chapter shows that God cares about unity among his people. The tribes east of the Jordan were not rebelling. They built the altar as a reminder of their shared faith. Adults can learn that when a misunderstanding arises, the best first step is to ask questions and listen before reacting. Speaking truthfully and calmly, as the families did, protects relationships and honors God.
When teaching children, avoid suggesting that every disagreement will be solved perfectly or that honesty always makes people happy right away. The story shows peace coming because people listened and told the truth, but real life can still be hard. Focus on the habit of asking, listening, and speaking gently, and leave God to work out the results.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Lord, thank you for helping us stay close to you and to each other. When we misunderstand someone, help us to ask questions first and to speak the truth with kind words. Help us remember that we all belong to you. Amen.
